Kenny Chesney Considers George Strait a ‘Hero’ and a ‘Friend’

A lot of country stars admire King George Strait, but not all of them can call the legend a friend. Kenny Chesney is one of the exceptions, though.

Chesney goes way back with the 'Check Yes or No' singer. Early on in his career, Chesney had the opportunity to perform out on the road with Strait, and the country icon has taught him a lot over the years.

"George is a hero; he’s a friend," Chesney gushes (quote via Country Music is Love). "He’s someone that has inspired me. He’s someone that has taught me a lot, indirectly, by just watching him, his song sense, his stage charisma -- you name it."

One thing Strait taught Chesney was the importance of choosing really good music to record.

"George has, in so many ways, influenced me as an artist, as a person. And like I said, just pickin’ songs," Chensey shares. "When I was new in this business, my God, I was like everybody else. We wanted to be as successful as George was, you know, and I learned pretty quickly by studying him that it all starts with the songs. And those songs that George cut and performed all these years will live forever. I mean, they just will. They’re songs that never go out of style because they touch people’s lives.”

Although Chesney has had a very big career already himself, he considers being on the road with Strait a highlight of his career.

“To be a part of his career, and doing two years with him on the road -- and the first time I did stadium shows was with George, you know, and I was the first guy on … actually the second. And that’s where I learned how to do that. So, to be a part of his career has been one of the biggest highlights of my career and my life.”